Hajj 2025 Ends: Over 1.6 Million Muslims Complete Pilgrimage as Saudi Arabia Lifts Visa Suspension
Hajj 2025 successfully concluded with over 1.6 million Muslim pilgrims from more than 150 countries gathering in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, to perform one of Islam’s most sacred rituals. The pilgrimage took place from June 4 to June 9, 2025, as per the Islamic lunar calendar’s Zil-Hajj month.
Massive Participation from India
This year, approximately 175,000 Indian pilgrims registered for the pilgrimage. Among them, 120,000 traveled under the government quota managed by India’s Ministry of Minority Affairs and Hajj Committee of India, while over 50,000 pilgrims traveled through private tour operators.
Saudi Arabia’s Advanced Hajj 2025 Management
Dr. Tawfig bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, called this year’s pilgrimage not just a logistical achievement but a vision for the future of pilgrimage. He highlighted the use of over 130 digital services, a 60% expansion in emergency care, and the deployment of more than 20,000 buses and trains.
“Our mission is to ensure every pilgrim experiences a safe, smooth, inclusive, and spiritually fulfilling journey,” said Dr. Al-Rabiah.
Main Hajj Rituals and Eid al-Adha
The pilgrimage reached its peak with the observance of Eid al-Adha on June 6 in Saudi Arabia (June 7 in India). Pilgrims participated in the symbolic stoning of the devil in Mina, followed by animal sacrifices honoring Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion.
Temporary Visa Suspension Lifted
With the completion of Hajj 2025, Saudi Arabia officially ended the temporary suspension of short-term visas for 14 countries, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Nigeria, and others.
In April 2025, Saudi authorities had temporarily suspended Umrah, business, and family visit visas for these nations to prevent unauthorized Hajj participation and avoid overcrowding. Many unauthorized pilgrims, especially in Hajj 2024, faced extreme conditions, leading to tragic heat-related deaths due to lack of access to registered facilities.
An Indian government official stated:
“During Hajj season, short-term visa restrictions are standard to prevent overcrowding and are lifted after Hajj concludes.”
Spiritual Visits to Medina
In addition to visiting Mecca, many pilgrims traveled to Medina, home to the Prophet Muhammad’s tomb—the second holiest site in Islam. While not mandatory for Hajj, visiting Medina remains a profound spiritual experience for many Muslims.
Preparations Begin for Hajj 2026
With Hajj 2025 concluding smoothly, Saudi Arabia has already started preparing for Hajj 2026. Operational plans have been shared with Hajj offices worldwide, reaffirming Saudi Arabia’s commitment to continuously improving the pilgrimage under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.
“Our duty is to serve the guests of Allah with excellence, care, and devotion,” Saudi authorities emphasized.
Conclusion
The smooth organization and successful conclusion of Hajj 2025 demonstrate Saudi Arabia’s evolving capabilities in managing one of the world’s largest religious gatherings. As preparations for Hajj 2026 begin, pilgrims worldwide can expect even better arrangements for a safe, efficient, and spiritually enriching pilgrimage.